Connecticut Man Charged After Beating Former Mother-in-Law to Death With Baseball Bat Over Divorce Grudge

TRUMBULL, CONNECTICUT — A Connecticut man is facing a murder charge after police say he brutally beat his former mother-in-law with a baseball bat for 92 seconds, killing her just one day after her 70th birthday. Authorities say the attack was fueled by years of resentment over a divorce the suspect blamed on the victim.

The defendant, Ylli Shtopaku, 46, is accused in the killing of Lida Shape, according to the Trumbull Police Department.

Attack at Luxury Apartment Complex

Police say the killing occurred on April 28, the day after Shape celebrated her 70th birthday with family. Around midday, Shape returned to the Ten Trumbull apartment complex, where she lived, accompanied by an acquaintance.

Investigators allege that following a brief encounter, Shtopaku arrived at the complex’s clubhouse area and launched a sustained attack, striking Shape repeatedly with a baseball bat for approximately 92 seconds.

When officers arrived, they found Shape lying on her back, gasping for air, having suffered catastrophic injuries.

Suspect Detained at the Scene

According to police, a neighbor identified Shtopaku at the scene, leading to his immediate detention. During his arrest, officers say Shtopaku made a chilling statement.

“Eh, she tried to kill me for all my life, so I did it today,” the suspect allegedly told police.

Authorities said Shape succumbed to her injuries shortly after the attack.

Family History and Motive

Investigators confirmed that Shtopaku and Shape were formerly related by marriage. Shape was the mother of Shtopaku’s ex-wife, with whom he shares two children. The former couple divorced several years earlier.

According to the police report, Shtopaku blamed his ex-mother-in-law for the breakdown of his marriage, the loss of his home in Monroe, and ongoing financial hardship.

“It was determined that the suspect and the victim were previously relatives but were no longer related due to a divorce in the family several years in the past,” police wrote.

Followed Victim From Mall, Police Say

Shtopaku allegedly told investigators that earlier that day he saw Shape at a local mall food court and followed her back to the apartment complex. He claimed he attempted to confront her, but when she “did not listen,” he returned to his vehicle, retrieved a baseball bat, and attacked her.

Police say the confrontation was intentional and targeted, not spontaneous.

Charges and Bond

Shtopaku has been charged with murder and is currently being held on a $3 million bond, court records show. Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed whether additional charges may be considered.

Local outlets, including the Greenwich Time, reported that prosecutors extended a plea offer on Friday, though details of that offer were not made public.

Shtopaku is scheduled to return to court on February 19, 2026.

Community Shocked by Daylight Killing

The killing has sent shockwaves through the Trumbull community, particularly because it occurred in broad daylight inside a residential complex where families live.

Neighbors described the attack as sudden and horrifying, and police emphasized that the violence appeared deeply personal, rooted in long-standing grievances rather than an immediate dispute.

A Birthday Celebration Ends in Tragedy

Friends and relatives told investigators that Shape had just spent the previous day celebrating her milestone birthday, making the timing of the killing especially devastating for her family.

Authorities have not released details about funeral arrangements or victim services, but said family members are receiving support.

As the case moves forward, prosecutors say it underscores how unresolved resentment and fixation on blame can erupt into deadly violence years after family ties are severed.

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